Pipe clamp device and a method for its use

ABSTRACT

The present pipe clamp device is configured for use with standard vee head jack stands. The present device can be used to secure a pipe or similarly shaped object to a standard vee head jack stand. Specifically, the present pipe clamp device can comprise one or more pivoting arms that can facilitate an object&#39;s placement into the pipe clamp device or its removal from the pipe clamp, a threaded rod, which can include a release button or quick release mechanism, which can be used to quickly tighten the clamp onto an object being secured and the jack stand or to remove an object from the jack stand.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of non-provisional patent applicationSer. No. 13/713,618 filed Dec. 13, 2012, which claims benefit toprovisional patent application No. 61/569,842 filed Dec. 13, 2011, whichare both incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present pipe clamp device can be used to secure many sizes of pipesor other similarly shaped objects to a standard jack stand such thatonly one person can be able to use the device to easily secure a pipe orsimilarly shaped object to the jack stand.

BACKGROUND

Welders and pipe fitters are often required to construct work piecescomprising various sections of pipe. These pipes often have varyingdiameters and pipe jack stands are commonly used to support the pipe sothat it can be held at a level that is suitable for a worker to performthe work required to complete the task. To accommodate differentdiameters of pipes, such stands typically comprise a V-shaped cradleconfigured for use with many sizes of pipe. The heights of such standscan typically be adjusted through the use of a threaded connectionbetween the V-shaped cradle and a pole that extends down to a support,which holds the stand upright. When the V-shaped cradle is adjusted to adesired height, the pipe can be placed into the cradle and maintained atthis height. However, the user often requires a second person to holdthe pipe securely to the pipe jack stand so that welding or other workrequiring more than one hand can be performed on the pipe or similarlyshaped object.

One solution that is sometimes used to allow a person to work on a pipewithout assistance requires the pipe to be tack welded to the stand.Tack welds take additional time both to connect the pipe to the standand to be removed from the surface of the pipe once the fabrication iscomplete. Other solutions have also been introduced, which involve theuse of clamps to hold a pipe securely while the work is being performed.Such clamps are related to the present pipe clamp device, however, theyare typically cumbersome to use, making securing a pipe to a jack standusing these devices difficult, particularly when used by a singleoperator.

What is needed is a pipe clamp device that is capable of securing pipesof many different diameters to a standard pipe jack stand which can bequickly and easily installed and removed by a single operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present device to provide a pipe clamp devicethat is capable of securing pipes and similarly shaped objects of avariety of diameters to a standard pipe jack stand, which can also beeasy for a person to operate without requiring the assistance of others.

The above aspect can be obtained by a pipe clamp device for use with astandard vee head jack stand, the pipe clamp device comprising: aninverted U-shaped main body comprising a closed top end and an openbottom end, an inner surface and an outer surface; the open bottom endof the inverted U-shaped main body comprising a first stationary arm,having an inner surface and an outer surface, and having a lower end anda second stationary arm, having an inner surface and an outer surface,and having a lower end, wherein the second stationary arm comprises asecond gripping ear at its lower end; the closed top end of the invertedU-shaped main body comprising a head, the head further comprising athreaded hole configured to receive a threaded rod; the threaded rodhaving a first end and a second end located within the threaded hole;and a first pivoting arm, having an inner surface and an outer surface,and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the firstpivoting arm pivotably connected to the lower end of the firststationary arm by a first hinge, wherein the second end of the firstpivoting arm comprises a first gripping ear.

The above aspect can also be obtained by a pipe clamp device for usewith a standard vee head jack stand, the pipe clamp device comprising:an inverted U-shaped main body comprising a closed top end and an openbottom end, an inner surface and an outer surface; the open bottom endof the inverted U-shaped main body comprising a first stationary arm,having an inner surface and an outer surface, and having a lower end anda second stationary arm, having an inner surface and an outer surface,and having a lower end, wherein the second stationary arm comprises asecond gripping ear at its lower end; the closed top end of the invertedU-shaped main body comprising a head, the head further comprising athreaded hole configured to receive a threaded rod; the threaded rodhaving a first end and a second end located within the threaded hole; afirst pivoting arm, having an inner surface and an outer surface, andhaving a first end and a second end, the first end of the first pivotingarm pivotably connected to the lower end of the first stationary arm bya first hinge, wherein the second end of the first pivoting armcomprises a first gripping ear; and a second pivoting arm, having aninner surface and an outer surface, and having a first end and a secondend, the first end of the second pivoting arm pivotably connected to thelower end of the second stationary arm by a second hinge, wherein thesecond end of the second pivoting arm comprises a second gripping ear.

The above aspect can also be obtained by a method for securing an objectto a standard vee head jack stand using a pipe clamp device, the methodcomprising: providing a pipe clamp device, the pipe clamp devicecomprising: an inverted U-shaped main body further comprising a closedtop end and an open bottom end, an inner surface and an outer surface;the open bottom end of the inverted U-shaped main body furthercomprising a first stationary arm having an inner surface and an outersurface and having a lower end and a second stationary arm having aninner surface and an outer surface and having a lower end, wherein thesecond stationary arm comprises a second gripping ear at its lower end;the closed top end of the inverted U-shaped main body comprising a head,the head further comprising a threaded hole configured to receive athreaded rod; the threaded rod having a first end and a second endlocated within the threaded hole; and a first pivoting arm, having aninner surface and an outer surface, and having a first end and a secondend, the first end of the first pivoting arm pivotably connected to thelower end of the first stationary arm by a first hinge, wherein thesecond end of the first pivoting arm further comprises a first grippingear; providing a standard vee head jack stand comprising a V-shapedcradle; providing an object; placing the object on the V-shaped cradleof the standard vee head jack stand, the V-shaped cradle having an uppersurface and a lower surface; moving the first pivoting arm of the pipeclamp device into an open position; placing the pipe clamp device overthe standard vee head jack stand so that the first gripping ear and thesecond gripping ear are each located near the lower surface of theV-shaped cradle and the object is within the inner surfaces of the firststationary arm, first pivoting arm and second stationary arm and thesecond end of the threaded rod is located directly above the object;moving the first pivoting arm of the pipe clamp device into a closedposition; moving the threaded rod so that the second end of the threadedrod moves toward the open end of the pipe clamp device and away from theclosed end of the pipe clamp device until the second end of the threadedrod makes contact with the object, and presses against the object andagainst the upper side of the V-shaped cradle and causing the firstgripping ear and second gripping ear to move toward the V-shaped cradleand press against the V-shaped cradle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as thestructure and operation of various embodiments of the present device,will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1/8 is a perspective front and side view drawing of a pipe clampdevice having a first pivoting arm in an open position according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2/8 is a perspective front and side view drawing of a pipe clampdevice wherein both its first pivoting arm and second pivoting arm arein open positions according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3/8 is a front view drawing of a pipe clamp device wherein thefirst pivoting arm and the second pivoting arm are both in a closedposition, and the pipe clamp device is being used with a standard jackstand to secure an object according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4/8 is a front view drawing of a pipe clamp device wherein a firstpivoting arm is in an open position while in use with a standard jackstand and object according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5/8 is a front view drawing of a pipe clamp device wherein a firstpivoting arm and a second pivoting arm are both in open positions whilein use with a standard jack stand in preparation to secure an objectaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 6/8 is a front view of a pipe clamp device wherein a first pivotingarm and a second pivoting arm are each in closed positions while in usewith a standard jack stand to secure an object according to anembodiment;

FIG. 7/8 is a partially exploded, perspective front, top and side viewdrawing of a pipe clamp device having both a first pivoting arm in aclosed position and a quick release mechanism; and

FIG. 8/8 is a perspective front, top and side view cutaway drawing ofthe head of a pipe clamp device also showing an exploded view of a quickrelease mechanism according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description. In the description, relativeterms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,”“below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof(e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should beconstrued to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown inthe drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenienceof description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments,coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” referto a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to oneanother either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, aswell as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unlessexpressly described otherwise.

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout.

The present pipe clamp device can be used to secure a pipe, ducting orany other similarly shaped object onto a standard jack stand. In anembodiment, the present pipe clamp device can have an inverted U-shapewith an open end at its bottom and a closed end at its top and a workarea located between the open end and closed end. The open end of theinverted U-shape can comprise two arms, wherein at least one arm can bea pivoting arm, which can be used to secure the pipe clamp device to ajack stand within the work area while also allowing a pipe or other workpiece to be more easily removed from the clamp.

A threaded rod or similar feature for tightening an object to a jackstand can be connected to the closed end. When this threaded rod isrotated, a swivel vee or similar device can be moved either toward theclosed end or toward the open end of the pipe clamp device. By turningthe threaded rod so as to move the swivel vee toward the open end of thepipe clamp device, the device can secure a pipe to a jack stand byexerting pressure on the pipe between the swivel vee and the jack stand.Likewise, by turning the threaded rod so as to move the swivel veetoward the closed end of the pipe clamp device, the pipe can be releasedfrom the jack stand. The use of one or more pivoting arms can facilitatethe removal of a pipe from the jack stand or the insertion of a pipeinto the pipe clamp device. The tightening feature, as well as the shapeof the clamp and the shape of the swivel vee when used in conjunctionwith at least one pivoting arm, can allow for this device to securelyhold work pieces of various sizes and shapes to a typical jack stand.The present pipe clamp device comprises a distinct advantage over priorart in its ability to facilitate the easy installation and removal ofpipes and similar work pieces both into and out of the present pipeclamp device. The size of such work pieces would only be limited by thesize of the work area of a particular clamp and the present pipe clampdevice can be configured to be any size required to work with aparticular pipe or similarly shaped object.

FIG. 1/8 is a perspective front and side view drawing of a pipe clampdevice 100 having a first pivoting arm 101 in an open position accordingto an embodiment.

A pipe clamp device 100, as depicted in FIG. 1/8, can be comprised of amain body 102, having an inverted U-shape. This main body 102 canfurther comprise an outer surface 103 and an inner surface 104, a topend 110, a first stationary arm 105 and a second stationary arm 106. Theouter surface 103 of the top end 110 of the main body 102 can comprise ahead 111, further comprising a threaded hole 112 (not fully visible inFIG. 1/8). This top end 110 of the main body 102 can also be referred toas the closed end 113 of the pipe clamp device 100. In an embodiment, athreaded rod 120 can be screwed into the threaded hole 112 and a handle130 can be used to turn the threaded rod 120, thus allowing the threadedrod 120 to move up and down in relation to the main body 102. In analternative embodiment the threaded rod 120 could be turned by anelectric motor (not shown) or any other suitable device capable ofcreating sufficient torque.

In an embodiment, the outer surface 103 of the main body 102 can alsocomprise a reinforcing rib 107, which can strengthen the main body 102making it less likely to bend or flex. This feature can allow greaterforces to be applied to the pipe clamp device 100, which can help tobetter secure a pipe (not shown) or similar object to a jack stand (notshown).

The first stationary arm 105 of the main body 102 can be connected to afirst pivoting arm 101 by a first hinge 140. A second pivoting arm 141can be connected to the second stationary arm 106 of the main body 102by a second hinge 142. In an alternate embodiment, the second pivotingarm 141 can be replaced by an elongated second stationary arm 108 (notpictured in FIG. 1/8) having a bottom section shaped like the secondpivoting arm 141, which would not pivot at all. As with the main body102, the first pivoting arm 101 and the second pivoting arm 141 can eachcomprise an outer surface 143 and an inner surface 144 (the innersurface of the first pivoting arm 101 and the outer surface of thesecond pivoting arm 141 are not shown in FIG. 1/8). Each pivoting armcan also have a first end 145 and a second end 146, 148, wherein thefirst hinge 140 can be located at the first end 145 of the firstpivoting arm 101 and the second hinge 142 can be located at the firstend 145 of the second pivoting arm 141. In an embodiment, the outersurface 143 of both the first pivoting arm 101 and the second pivotingarm 141 can each comprise a reinforcing rib 107 configured to strengtheneach and make them less likely to bend or flex.

In an embodiment, the first pivoting arm 101 and the second pivoting arm141 can each comprise gripping ears 150 and 151. Specifically, thesecond end 146 of the first pivoting arm 101 can comprise a firstgripping ear 150 and the second end 148 of the second pivoting arm 141can comprise a second gripping ear 151. In an embodiment, both the firstgripping ear 150 and the first pivoting arm 101 and can be made from asingle piece of metal or other material, wherein the first gripping ear150 can be bent inward at a first angle 152. Similarly, a secondgripping ear 151 can be located at the second end 148 of the secondpivoting arm 141, which can be bent inward, toward the first grippingarm 101 at a second angle 153, which can be similar to the first angle152. In an embodiment, the first angle 152 and second angle 153 can beconfigured to match the corresponding angles of various sizes and shapesof V-head cradles comprising typical jack stands, wherein the firstangle 152 and the second angle 153 can be configured so that thegripping ear 150 is parallel to the cradle 382 (not shown in FIG. 1/8but shown in FIGS. 3/8, 4/8 and 5/8) of the compatible jack stand (notshown). In an embodiment, one or more serrated pads 154 can cover theinner surface 155 of both the first gripping ear 150 and the secondgripping ear 151. These serrated pads 154 can be used to secure the pipeclamp device 100 to the underside of a V-head cradle found on a typicaljack stand (not shown).

The threaded rod 120 can comprise a first end 121 and a second end 122.The first end 121 can comprise a handle 130 that can be used to rotatethe threaded rod 120. The second end 122 can comprise a swivel vee 123,which can be used to secure a pipe to a jack stand (not pictured). In anembodiment, the swivel vee 123 can be V-shaped with an angle similar tothe angle formed by the V-shaped cradle comprising many standard jackstands. The swivel vee 123 can also be configured to freely swivel aboutthe second end 122 of the threaded rod 120 so that it can align toaccept an object being secured when the pipe clamp device 100 istightened by turning the threaded rod 120 so as to move the swivel vee123 toward the open end 114 and toward the cradle of a jack stand (notshown in FIG. 1/8 but shown in FIGS. 3/8, 4/8, 5/8 and 6/8).

In an embodiment, the handle 130 can be connected to a handle body 131connected to the first end 121 of the threaded rod 120. This handle body131 can comprise a handle body hole 132, which can allow the handle 130to slide freely through the handle body hole 132. In an embodiment, thehandle 130 can have a first handle end 133 and a second handle end 134wherein a first stop 135 can be located at the first handle end 133 anda second stop 136 can be located at a second handle end 134. The firststop 135 and second stop 136 can prevent the handle 130 from beingremoved from the handle body hole 132 connected to the threaded rod 120.

The threaded hole 112 in the head 111 on the top end 110 can beconfigured to accept the threading of the threaded rod 120 by comprisingcomplementary threading within the threaded hole 112. This complementarythreading can allow the threaded rod 120 to be moved up and down throughthe threaded hole 112 when the threaded rod 120 is turned eitherclockwise or counter-clockwise, allowing the pipe clamp device 100 to beadjustable for use with many different sizes of pipes or similarlyshaped objects (not shown). Preferably, the head 111 can also comprise arelease button 109 that can be used to allow the threaded rod 120 tomove freely up and down through the threaded hole 112. The releasebutton can be a threaded piece that, when engaged, causes the threadingon the inside of the threaded hole 112 to come in contact with thethreaded rod 120. When the release button 109 is switched open, thethreading inside the threaded hole 112 disengages from the threaded rod120, which can allow the threaded rod 120 to move up and down quicklywithout the need to rotate the threaded rod 120. The release button canbe used when large adjustments in distance of the threaded rod 120 tothe object (not pictured) need to be made. The release button 109 canalso comprise a spring loaded mechanism which will be described in moredetail below.

FIG. 2/8 is a perspective front and side view drawing of a pipe clampdevice 100 wherein having a first pivoting arm 101 and a second pivotingarm 141 in open positions according to an embodiment.

The first pivoting arm 101 can be connected to the first stationary arm105 by the first hinge 140 at a location that can allow a pipe to beplaced into, or removed from, the pipe clamp device 100 when the firstpivoting arm 101 is placed into an open position Likewise, a secondpivoting arm 141 can be connected to the second stationary arm 106 bythe second hinge 142 at a location that can allow a pipe to be placedinto, or removed from, the pipe clamp device 100 when the secondpivoting arm 141 is placed into an open position. In an embodiment, thefirst hinge 140 can be located roughly midway between the top end 110 ofthe main body 102 and the second end 146 of the first pivoting arm 101and the second hinge 142 can be located midway between the top end 110of the main body 102 and the second end 148 of the second pivoting arm141.

A first pivot pin 260 can extend through a first hole 261 extendingthrough both the first stationary arm 105 and the first pivoting arm 101thus creating the first hinge 140 wherein the first pivoting arm 101 canbe configured to rotate freely in a vertical direction about the firststationary arm 105. In an embodiment, a second pivot pin 262 can extendthrough a second hole 263 extending through both the second stationaryarm 106 and the second pivoting arm 141 thus creating the second hinge142 wherein the second pivoting arm 141 can rotate freely in a verticaldirection about the second stationary arm 106.

In an embodiment, a first locking pin 264 can be inserted below thefirst pivot pin 260 and can be used to prevent movement of the firstpivoting arm 101 about the first hinge 140 with relation to the firststationary arm 105 by locking the first hinge 140 in a closed position.The first pivoting arm 101 can be locked in a closed position by placingthe first locking pin 264 through a first locking pin hole 265, whichcan extend through the first stationary arm 105 and the first pivotingarm 101. In an embodiment, the first locking pin 264 can comprise achain 266 or cable that can be used to retain the first locking pin 264,which can be connected to the first stationary arm 105 through the useof a connection piece 267 to prevent dropping or misplacing the firstlocking pin 264. The first locking pin 264 can be removed to allow thefirst pivoting arm 101 to be placed into an open position.

In an embodiment, a second locking pin 268 can be inserted through asecond locking pin hole 269 located below the second pivot pin 262 toprevent movement of the second pivoting arm 141 about the secondstationary arm 106 by locking the second hinge 142 in a closed position.The second locking pin 268 can be placed through a second locking pinhole 269, which can extend through the second stationary arm 106 and thesecond pivoting arm 141. In an embodiment, the second locking pin 268can comprise a chain 270 that can be used to retain, which can itself beconnected to the second stationary arm 106 through the use of aconnection piece 271. The second locking pin 268 can be removed from thesecond locking pin hole 269 to allow the second pivoting arm 141 to bemoved into an open position as shown in FIG. 2/8.

When either the first pivoting arm 101 or the second pivoting arm 141 ofthe pipe clamp device 100 is placed into an open position, pipes orother similar objects can be placed into the pipe clamp device 100 orremoved from the pipe clamp device 100. Furthermore, when either thefirst pivoting arm 101 or the second pivoting arm 141 of the pipe clampdevice 100 is placed into an open position, the pipe clamp device 100can easily be placed into a position relative to a jack stand (notpictured in FIG. 2/8) wherein the pipe clamp device 100 can secure apipe or similarly shaped object to the jack stand when the firstpivoting arm 101 and the second pivoting arm 141 of the pipe clampdevice 100 are placed into a closed position.

FIG. 3/8 is a front view drawing of a pipe clamp device 100 wherein thefirst pivoting arm 101 and the second pivoting arm 141 are each in aclosed position, and the pipe clamp device 100 is being used inconjunction with a standard jack stand 380 to secure an object 381according to an embodiment.

The pipe clamp device 100 can be used in connection with a jack stand380 to secure an object 381. In an embodiment, the object 381 can besecured to a cradle 382 of the jack stand 380 by placing the object 381in the cradle 382 of the jack stand 380 and placing both the firstgripping ear 150 and the second gripping ear 151 below the cradle 382.The first locking pin 264 can be inserted into the first locking hole265. The swivel vee 123 can be moved downward against the object 381 byturning the threaded rod 120. As the swivel vee 123 presses downwardagainst the object 381, the first gripping ear 150 and the secondgripping ear 151 can be raised up until they are each pressed snuglyagainst the bottom of the cradle 382. In an embodiment, the swivel vee123 can comprise an angle 383 opposite the threaded rod 120, which canreceive the object 381, thus helping to further secure the object 381and prevent it from rolling or slipping.

FIG. 4/8 is a front view drawing of a pipe clamp device 100 wherein afirst pivoting arm 101 is in an open position while in use with a jackstand 380 and an object 381 according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, an object 381 can be removed from the work area 490 ofthe pipe clamp device 100 by rotating the threaded rod 120 so as to movethe swivel vee 123 upward toward the closed end 113 sufficiently so thatthe first pivoting arm 101 can be rotated into an open position about afirst hinge 140 creating a first opening 491 wherein the object 381 canbe removed from the work area 490. (The release button 109 can also beused to allow the threaded rod 120 to be moved upward toward the closedend 113 of the pipe clamp device 100.) Such use of the first hinge 140can be beneficial when more than one of the same sized or similarlysized objects 381 are to be secured separately by the pipe clamp device100 because the threaded rod 120 will not need to be adjusted as much toremove one object 381 from the work area 490 and insert and secure a newobject (not pictured) into the work area 490 thus saving valuable timewhen transitioning from one object 381 to the next (not shown) which iscommonly required when performing work on such objects.

FIG. 5/8 is a front view of a pipe clamp device 100 wherein a firstpivoting arm 101 and a second pivoting arm 141 are each in openpositions while in use with a jack stand 380 in preparation to secure anobject 381 according to an embodiment.

A second hinge 142 can be located on the second pivoting arm 141. Theuse of two hinges 140 and 142 can provide greater flexibility for theuse of the pipe clamp device 100 by allowing the insertion or removal ofthe pipe clamp device 100, or an object 381 when only movement in avertical direction is available or when objects 381 need to be insertedinto or removed from the pipe clamp device 100 from either side of thedevice.

FIG. 6/8 is a front view of a pipe clamp device 100 wherein a firstpivoting arm 101 and a second pivoting arm 141 are both in closedpositions while in use with a standard jack stand 380 to secure anobject 381 according to an embodiment.

All parts of the pipe clamp device 100 can be comprised in whole or inpart of metal, wood, plastic, or any other suitable material known tothose of average skill in the relevant art, or a combination of suchmaterials. In an embodiment, each component can be made from steel.

FIG. 7/8 is a partially exploded perspective front, top and side viewdrawing of a pipe clamp device 100 having a first pivoting arm 101 in aclosed position and an exploded view of a first quick release mechanism200 and a second quick release mechanism 220 according to an alternativeembodiment.

In this alternative embodiment, the head 111 can also comprise a quickrelease mechanism 200 located on at least one side or both sides of theclamp head 111 that can be used to allow the threaded rod 120 to movefreely up and down through the threaded hole 112 when the quick releasemechanism 200 is activated. The quick release mechanism 200 can furthercomprise a cut out section 201 on the side of the clamp head 111, abutton mounting bracket 202 located near the opening of the cut outsection 201, a quick release button sleeve 203, a spring 204, a springloaded quick release button 205, and one or more retaining pins 207. Inan embodiment, the bracket 201 can be connected to the clamp head 111along two-sides of the cut out section 201. The quick release buttonsleeve 203 can be inserted into the cut out section 201 and the springloaded quick release button 205 can then be inserted into the quickrelease button sleeve 203 wherein the spring 204 can be located at theinner side of the quick release button 205 so that tension pressingoutward against the quick release button 205 can be maintained. Thespring loaded quick release button 205 can comprise acme threads 206 atone end wherein the acme thread 206 can allow the quick releasemechanism 200 to either engage or disengage the threaded rod 120.

In another alternative embodiment, an identical quick release mechanism220, having identical parts can be located on the opposite side of thehead 111. When the quick release button 205 is pushed, it releases thethreads 206 and allows the threaded rod 120 to move up and down, quicklyand freely for a quick action use of the pipe clamp device 100. When thequick release button 205 is released, the threaded side 206 of the quickrelease button 205 can engage with the threaded rod 120, which can thenbe tightened to a desired tightness, for fine tune adjustment.

FIG. 8/8 is a perspective front, top and side view cutaway drawing ofthe head 111 of a pipe clamp device 100 also showing an exploded view ofa quick release mechanism 200 according to an embodiment. As alsodescribed above, the head 111 can also comprise a quick releasemechanism 200 located on at least one side of the clamp head 111 thatcan be used to allow the threaded rod (not shown) to move freely up anddown through the threaded hole 112. The quick release mechanism 200 canfurther comprise a cut out section 201 on the side of the clamp head111, a button mounting bracket 202 located near the cut out section 201,a quick release button sleeve 203, a spring 204, a spring loaded quickrelease button 205, and one or more retaining pins 207. The bracket 201can be connected to the clamp head 111 along two-sides of the cut outsection 201. The quick release button sleeve 203 can be inserted intothe cut out section 201. The spring loaded quick release button 205 canbe inserted into the quick release button sleeve 203 wherein the spring204 can be located at the inner side of the quick release button 205 sothat tension pressing outward against the quick release button 205 canbe maintained. The spring loaded quick release button 205 can compriseacme threads 206 at one end wherein the acme thread 206 can allow thequick release mechanism 200 to either engage or disengage the threadedrod 120.

Although the present device and method for its use has been described interms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, theappended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variantsand embodiments of the device, which may be made by those skilled in theart without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of thepresent pipe clamp.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pipe clamp device for use with a standard veehead jack stand, the pipe clamp device comprising: a main bodycomprising a closed top end and an open bottom end, an inner surface andan outer surface; the main body comprising a first stationary arm,having an inner surface and an outer surface, and having a lower end anda second stationary arm, having an inner surface and an outer surface,and having a lower end; the closed top end of the main body comprising ahead, the head further comprising a threaded hole configured to receivea threaded rod; the threaded rod having a first end and a second endlocated within the threaded hole; a first pivoting arm, having an innersurface and an outer surface, and having a first end and a second end,the first end of the first pivoting arm pivotably connected to the lowerend of the first stationary arm by a first hinge, wherein the second endof the first pivoting arm comprises a first gripping ear; and a secondpivoting arm, having an inner surface and an outer surface, and having afirst end and a second end, the first end of the second pivoting armpivotably connected to the lower end of the second stationary arm by asecond hinge, wherein the second end of the second pivoting armcomprises a second gripping ear.